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Study information

Engineering Mechanics

Module titleEngineering Mechanics
Module codeINT1105
Academic year2019/0
Credits15
Module staff

Andrew Mackenzie Robertson (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

12

Number students taking module (anticipated)

40

Module description

Without the careful measurement of hydrostatic forces, structures like the Hoover Dam or the Tamar Bridge could not have been built. This examination of static fluid, which underpins much of civil engineering and mechanical engineering design, is just one of the key areas you will explore on this module.

 On this module, you will encounter fluid flow equations and principles, tension compression and learn how to calculate forces from stagnant fluids. In a hands-on laboratory session, you will measure the force from a water jet, heating different surfaces, and then illustrate your results in diagrams. 

On completing this module, you will be familiar with the basics of fluid flow principles and conservation laws by which practically all fluid flow problems are solved, you will have an excellent foundation in critical measurement techniques and be proficient in using a hydraulic bench, in this case, equipped with a pump and simple system to measure flow rate. 

Prerequisite module: INT1108

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to introduce you to fundamental concepts of solid mechanics and fluid mechanics, separated into two sections (half a term each). For solid mechanics this includes stress/ strain relationships, axial members, rods and beams. For fluid mechanics this covers fluid properties, continuity and energy equations, momentum, and engineering concepts like buoyancy and hydrostatics.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Learn the basic theory and concepts behind statics and hydrostatics; the behaviour of static solid and fluid systems
  • 2. Apply principles of statics and dynamics for both solids and fluids to the analysis of simple mechanical systems
  • 3. Become familiar with units and magnitudes used in statics and hydrostatics

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Understand the importance and application of statics and hydrostatics to engineering projects
  • 5. Become familiar with the mathematical and analytical concepts required for statics and hydrostatics
  • 6. Record and interpret the results of observed practical experiments and demonstrations

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 7. Write clear accounts (of laboratory experiments and demonstrations)
  • 8. Carry out directed private study using textbooks and other provided resources
  • 9. Demonstrate an awareness of Health and Safety issues applicable to working in a supervised laboratory
  • 10. Develop the ability for self-study and monitoring
  • 11. Communicate effectively and accurately both orally and in writing

Syllabus plan

Solid mechanics: tension compression and shear forces

Stress

Axial loads

Torsion

Beams

Fluid mechanics: hydrostatics and dynamics.

Pressure and Head

Static Forces on Surfaces

Buoyancy

Continuity of Flow

Momentum Equation

Jet Flow Analysis

Energy Equation 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
54960

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities24Lectures. These introduce concepts, provide a broad background, introduce methods and give general guidance.
Scheduled learning and Teaching activities24Tutorials. These sessions will explore particular topics in greater depth and provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge by solving problems.
Scheduled learning and Teaching activities6Laboratory sessions. The sessions develop practical skills and awareness of practical application of the subject material.
Guided independent study96Directed reading, assigned problems and web-based activities on ELE will develop learning at a pace appropriate for the individual student.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Tutorial examplesIn tutorials1-3, 5, 11, 12Verbal feedback on review

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
30700

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
TMA (Solid mechanics)102 hours1-5, 8, 10In-class feedback
TMA (Fluid Mechanics)102 Hours1-6, 8In-Class feedback
Lab Report102 Hours1-3, 5-10Verbal feedback
Written examination - Closed Book702 Hours1-5, 8Written feedback on formal submission

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Written examWritten exam (referral)AllUsually taken in next exam period
Written examWritten exam (deferral)AllUsually taken in next exam period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Gere, J. and Goodno, B. (2012) Mechanics of Materials, Brief SI edition, Stamford, CT: Cengage, ISBN: 978-1-111-13603-1.
Douglas, J. and Matthews, R. (1996) Solving Problems in Fluid Mechanics, Vol 1, 3rd edition, Harlow: Longman. ISBN: 000-0-582-23987-7

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Engineering, mechanical, materials, beam theory, fluid mechanics, incompressible flow.

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

INT1103 (Core Engineering (Mechanics and Materials)

NQF level (module)

4

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

17/11/2011

Last revision date

21/08/2019